Shops, hotels, restaurants, malls and other commercial establishments in Madhya Pradesh can now operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week after Governor Mangubhai Patel approved the Madhya Pradesh Workplace Empowerment Code (Shram Shakti Sanhita), 2026.

The new framework allows businesses to remain open around the clock, but employees cannot be made to work continuously. Work will have to be organised through shifts, with employees working within prescribed limits.

48-Hour Weekly Work Limit

Under the new provisions, an employee can work for a maximum of 48 hours in a week. Any additional working hours will require the employee's consent and must be compensated as overtime according to applicable rules.

The move is expected to particularly benefit hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and other establishments that want to provide services during night hours. Consumers could also get greater access to shopping and hospitality services beyond conventional business hours.

One-Time Online Registration

The new system also seeks to simplify the registration process for commercial establishments.

Businesses will no longer need to repeatedly register and renew their registration. A shop or establishment will be able to complete its registration online once and receive a certificate along with a unique identification number.

If there are subsequent changes in the establishment's details, the information can be updated online instead of going through the entire registration process again.

Employers Responsible for Safety

The new labour framework places responsibility for workplace safety on employers.

Establishment owners will have to ensure proper cleanliness, safety equipment, fire-prevention arrangements and emergency-response measures at the workplace. Authorities will have the power to inspect establishments and take action where safety risks or violations are found.

The provisions also include safeguards aimed at ensuring a safe working environment for women employees, particularly in establishments operating during extended or night hours.

Social Security for Unorganised Workers

The framework also focuses on extending social-security and welfare benefits to workers in the unorganised sector.

Rickshaw drivers, domestic workers, construction labourers and other workers outside the formal employment system are expected to be brought within the ambit of government welfare schemes.

The framework seeks to facilitate access to benefits related to healthcare, education, housing, transportation and social security.

Easier Complaints and Inspections

The new system provides for administrative mechanisms and committees to address workers' complaints.

Labour department officials will be able to inspect establishments when required and seek relevant records and documents. Violations of prescribed provisions can result in action against the establishment.

24x7 Business, But Not 24x7 Work

The key distinction under the new system is that businesses may operate round the clock, while individual employees remain protected by working-hour limits.

For consumers, the changes could mean greater availability of shops, restaurants, hotels and malls during late-night hours. For businesses, the framework provides greater flexibility in operating hours while retaining requirements relating to employee consent, overtime, workplace safety and weekly working limits.

The new provisions therefore combine extended commercial operating hours with regulations intended to protect workers from excessive working hours and unsafe working conditions.